7 Myths vs. Truths of an Architect’s Life!

There is a fine line between calling yourself an architect and actually being an architect. Many a time, people in the architectural fraternity feel an indirect compulsion to ‘follow’ certain conventions with the sole intention of matching their peers. Over time, certain myths about the architecture field have popped up and have become strong misconceptions about the profession. These misconceptions are a poor representation of the field as there is so much more to architecture.

Misconceptions of an Architect’s Life

To clear your minds about the various misconceptions of an architect’s life, we have made a list of 7 myths about the field as well as the truths.

“Architecture is the reaching out for the truth.”- Louis Kahn

01. Myth: Architects are different

Truth: You are much like any other field expert

Architects

When in architecture school, we would have constantly heard the cliché dialogue: “we are different”. We are reminded of the “difference” with every task to such an extent that it becomes an unintentional influencer for our ideas. The concepts are forced to be so ‘different’ that its tops being relevant to the context and becomes fanatical. This results in most original design ideas being sabotaged.

What is even more tragic is that this doesn’t stop with the design style. We are believed to be so different that we are ‘accepted’ as passionate students only when we sacrifice our health and sleep for projects. The truth, however, is that we are much like any other field expert who deserves wellness and good work-life balance. All we need to do to change our situation is break from the conventional idea of the “architect life”.

02. Myth: You must be tagged an Architect

Truth: You can be an Architectural Photographer, Journalist or anything else

Diversity in Architectural profession

It is a tradition to complete graduation and straight away get into an architecture firm as a Junior Architect. But the diversity of the academics and the multifaceted skill set with which an architecture graduate is equipped can take a person beyond the field of architecture. We are allowed to be true to the term “architect” and create and explore without restrictions. We can:

  • Establish an eye for detail with Structural Design
  • Reflect on our understanding of every tint and shade of colour with Interior Design
  • Utilize the understanding of user experience with Graphic Design
  • Explore the editorial side of projects with Architectural Journalism
  • Try out the golden spiral other rules of thumb with Architectural Photography etc.

In short, architecture is almost like a life science, giving one a 360-degree comprehension of everything between humans and their surroundings. The knowledge goes beyond bricks and stones till the mind and the heart, because you’ve already learnt everything from the strength of the tiniest granule of sand (Building Materials) to the urban planning principles of dense cityscapes (Urban Design).

03. Myth: You need to look like an Architect

Truth: Your wardrobe choices don’t define you

Wardrobe choices for Architects

If you’re an architecture student, you would have definitely come across this one: “Wear black for your crit. That’s when you’ll LOOK like an Architect”. But we’ll have to ask ourselves if following that monotonous dress code is enough make us look professional? As creative people, we have the liberty to apply our knowledge of different hues of chroma and go for colorful wardrobe choices. It is saddening when people opt for monotones for everything from their outfits to their portfolios, with the fallacious idea of making it look professional. When the inside of architects is so colourful, why shy away from showing it to the world?

04. Myth: Being individualistic is Key

Truth: Being contextual is Key

Client-based profession

The self-proclaimed architect attitude mighemt sound cool, but at the end of the day, we must not forget that ours is a client-based profession. The projects we design are meant for the user, which is why understanding the client’s needs, as well as giving them the leverage of revisions, is quintessential. This will make the design echo the desired qualities that can form a connection with the user (or client), ultimately making it true to its objective – user satisfaction.

Many new-age architects specializing in client-specific designs like homes, retail stores etc. turn a reluctant ear to their clients’ needs as they believe that listening to them will destroy their ideas. This is where ego barges in and at such times, we must ask ourselves what we intend to do. Isn’t our role to build the dreams of the people? If at all we feel overshadowed in some way, we ought to put our wit and verbal skills to work and convince the client.

05. Myth: Criticism is ultimate in Architecture

Truth: Appreciation is ultimate

As an enthusiastic architect, we listen to what our predecessors say. Be it a member of the faculty at our college or a senior. And what do they often say? – criticize. It’s a pity that both architectural and academic practices have continually been a victim of namesake criticism. At the worst-case scenario, criticism is even believed to be a sign of knowledge. Criticizing the works of famous architects or a fellow student or a regular architect doesn’t lead us anywhere. Instead, try appreciating others more.

Understanding the actual values of the thoughts involved in the design development of a project, especially in the ones that are already built, can open up our minds. It can help us practice appreciation that has the power to nullify the criticism that may come up at the end of any project discussion. Healthy or constructive criticism embraces appreciation as a part of itself. It can let us constantly evolve as architects, for no architect is the best architect.

06. Myth: Famous architects are the only Architects

Truth: There are a minimum off our architects within a 5-km radius in an Indian city

Four architects within a 5-km radius of city

In the architecture community, famous architects are the ones who are constantly talked about. Most good architects go unnoticed because of this fame factor. So, how did famous architects find fame? They became famous as they were widely accepted.

Yet, the fact remains that many famous architects earned their fame posthumously. Most of them created projects that weren’t noticed by the people of their own generation, but were worshipped by the future generations. Modernist architects, whose ideas were rejected at during the classical times, are now in every architecture text book. The concrete works of Brutalist architects, who were detested by the people of the 19th century, are now showcased proudly in every galleria. It’s all because architecture doesn’t stop with time. As Frank Gehry Once said, architecture is timeless.

Every budding architect has a liking for certain styles and must be free to find their design doppelganger from the past. We can always try to shift from promoting an already-famous architect, to acknowledging everyone’s works, even those of people in allied fields. It’s not wrong to be inspired by the design of a not-so-famous architect from your street corner or a mason’s way of crafting beautiful jalis. Such openness will only unwind an unadulterated understanding of everything revolving around the world of architecture.

07. Myth: Onlookers weigh your worth as Architects

Truth: Clients weigh your worth

Yet another problem that occurs in every architecture student’s life is the struggle for acceptance by one’s peers. The worth of someone’s design will be weighed based on how many people like it. When everyone likes it, it’ll be known as the “best”.

Truth be told, there is no “best” or “worst” when it comes to architecture, or any field for that matter. An architect’s sole focus has to be on the client’s satisfaction. The common man must get the best experience out of the built environment. That kind of acceptance from and satisfaction of the client helps the design become the “best”, making it bigger than any award.

“The best marketing of all is happy clientsSusan Stripling

On a final note, myths are prevalent in architecture just like in any other field. Being able to see beyond them takes us closer to the truth of the profession. The field of architecture is the perfect mixture of humbleness and boldness, which is why the answers to the myths are often hidden in our perspective.

Think big, be humble when you understand your client and be bold while dealing with criticism. Be your client’s knight in shining armor and become an inspiration to future architects. Leave behind in your work.

Now that you have known what is the truth and myths of an architect’s life, also know about the influence and Importance of Architecture in Building Design!

And before you take a leave, there is a wonderful article giving you some reasons why you must hire an architect to build your homes:

Image Courtesy: Image 3

Author Bio

Akshaya Muralikumar – I am a graduate Architect turned writer with innate affinity towards written expression. I thrive in the print-digital media intermix with my works ranging across Books, Magazines, Blogs, and Web content. Being a free-spirited creative mind, I value new opportunities.

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